Job Descriptions

Firefighter

FIREFIGHTER

DEFINITION

The Firefighter classification is the entry-level classification in the professional Firefighter series. Firefighters are responsible to perform the full range of fire suppression and emergency medical response duties.

This position is assigned to the Firefighter bargaining unit for labor relationís purposes and is subject to call back and overtime assignments.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Firefighter performs all firefighting duties at the fire station under the direction of a superior officer however, considerable leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative. The principal function of an employee in this class is to respond to fires, medical emergencies, and other emergency and non-emergency situations to ensure the protection of life and property of the general public in the City.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of a Fire Captain or other supervisor as assigned.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May assist in the training of paid personnel.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Interpret, understand and carry out City and Department rules and regulations, policies, procedures and training evolutions;

Retain presence of mind, think and act quickly and effectively in emergency situations;

Read and interpret maps, and pre-fire plan drawings;

Learn the geography of the City, including the layout of the Cityís water main system and street numbering system;

Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the principles of mathematics;

Understand and follow oral and written directions promptly and accurately;

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;

Establish and maintain cooperative-working relationships with those contacted in the course of work;

Perform office work as assigned;

MINIMUM AGE

Minimum 18 years of age at time of application.

EDUCATION

Equivalent to graduation from high school. College level courses encouraged.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATES

Possession of a valid California driverís license at time of appointment, to be maintained as a condition of employment.

Possession of current national registry EMT or current California EMT certification at time of application. Must possess a California EMT certification at time of appointment, to be maintained as a condition of employment.

Possession of a Firefighter I Certificate of Completion approved by the California Fire Service Training and Education System or a California Firefighter I Certification issued by the California State Fire Marshal at time of application or equivalent Firefighter 1 certifications, if from outside the state of California. Certification must meet NFPA 1001 specifications.

Possession of a candidate physical ability test (CPAT) card at time of application, issued within 12 months of the application deadline.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Incumbents must possess at the time of appointment to this position and maintain the physical ability and stamina to meet fire and safety protection line duties including: Vision corrected sufficiently to drive City vehicles and apparatus and meet medical standards established by the Department of Motor Vehicles to maintain a Class C Driverís License, read blueprints, fine print and MDTís; hear well enough to identify mechanical noises, converse on the radio, telephone, and in person over incident noise; bodily mobility to crawl in attics, maintain balance on narrow platforms, to climb ladders, make rapid transitions from rest to near maximal exertion without warm-up periods; use of hands and fingers to write, drive vehicles and administer medical treatment; must be able to lift equipment and people as necessary; free from any physical, emotional or mental condition that might adversely affect the ability to exercise the duties of the position; tolerate extreme fluctuations in temperature while performing essential functions, must perform physically demanding work in hot (up to 400 F), and humid (up to 100% humidity) atmospheres while wearing firefighting equipment which significantly impairs body cooling mechanisms.